Platforms, wedges, flats and sandals are fun footwear that have made this a sizzling season for summer shoes. But fall is coming fast, and that means more shoes.

Stores are in summer sales mode right now and also showcasing pre-fall styles, so now is the time to look for hot shoes that will transition into cooler temps.

“I like the slide mule” for now and later said shoe and handbag designer Elaine Turner, owner of her eponymous Alamo Heights boutique. “The open-toe shoe gives you more foot coverage. For something more classic, but very now, almond-hued flats are a great choice. Neutrals like python and champagne colors are always popular. They transition seamlessly from one season to the next.”

But she added because “we live in Texas where it stays hotter longer, shop for shoes that are breathable — wedges and flat sandals. Little touches make a big difference too, so look for gold accents and bright colors.”

Melissa Adair, national spokeswoman for Dillard's, said a summer trend that will work into fall is the transparent or see-through shoe, made popular by many celebrities this season.

“It's generally a closed-toe style with a pointed, opaque toe and an ankle strap,” Adair said. “It works well for now and later, and the transparency is a fun detail.”

And one of her favorites: “A nude shoe, no matter the season.”

Carolyn Kulesza, Julian Gold's designer shoe buyer, said the nude shoe is perfect for summer and easily transitions into fall. She's also a fan of metallic shoes and ballet flats, the latter predicted to be a favorite trend among consumers.

Roseanne Morrison, fashion director of New York's Tobe agency, which consults with retailers about trends, suggested purchasing investment shoes: a single-sole (nonplatform) pump, short booties, pointy-toe flats and “surprisingly, a shoe in white because it's a color forecast for winter shoes.”

Morrison said trending at the moment during the hottest time of the year are patterned-soled wedges, caged or gladiator sandals or heels (a multi-strapped style that trumps the traditional strappy shoe by forming a cage around one's foot).

The straps, she and others agreed, are a shoe's new erogenous zone with attention on strappy detailing, proportions and cuffs. These styles, Morrison added, are wearable in all seasons.

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing, who believes that “shoes define a wardrobe and one's personal style,” said summer's pointy-toe pump “moves effortlessly into fall and looks perfect with the many rocker-chic looks” that will define the season.

He added that gladiators in black and natural leather, often mixed with animal print, will shift easily into fall. He's all for the easy relaxed look of flats, too. And with nonseasonal dressing more common, he said flats are great transitional shoes, especially during fall's early months.

Sara Jessop, owner of Sunset Ridge boutique Aquarius also is a fan of the flat shoe — ditto the pointy toe. She said the style has been a best-seller this summer, and for fall will continue to be a must-have because of its timeless style. “It's flattering and just adds that dose of high fashion to any outfit.”

The ankle strap shoe also has been a summer favorite because it's great for a dressier look. “Taking into consideration the minimalist trend that has been hot this year and for the coming fall, the ankle strap is simple in design and chic,” Jessop said.

And she, too, favors the white shoe during any season. “White is the new black, so investing in a white pump now will get you one step ahead as white is no longer just for summer weather.”

Local stylist Erin Busbee, who offers advice via her Busbee Style.com website, said the black and white shoe is a summer shoe trend that will continue through winter because “anything black and white, whether it's shoes, clothing or accessories, will definitely be a wise investment going into fall.”

She said the one-two color punch in a shoe is always classic, particularly in a pair of pointy-toe pumps which she added “are coming back in a big way.”

And she's all for buying multiples of the same favorite shoe “that you love and live in” because it's practical. “You will thank me later.”